Exercise machine

ABSTRACT

The instant invention combines an upper and lower body skier, a rowing machine, a stepping, a stair climber, cycling and an elliptical training machine into one unit allowing for its use in a multitude of modes. The machine also features a seat that adjusts both vertically and horizontally. This feature allows for the elliptical mode to be used as a standard cycle or as a recumbent cycle. The magnetic resistance of the flywheel gives the machine smooth silent operation.

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional Application No. 61/069,949 filed Mar. 19, 2008.

The present invention deals with an exercise machine that incorporates multiple exercise machines into one unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Exercise machines are not new to the art. The instant device combines the skiing and rowing action with a stepping simulation combined with a multi-directional adjustable seat allowing for simulation of standard as well as recumbent cycling in one machine. All of these types of exercises are available from standard exercise equipment. The inventor has two patents U.S. Pat. No. 5,496,241 issued Mar. 5, 1996 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,423 issued Oct. 5, 1999 demonstrating the combination of skiing/rowing and stepping in one machine. The 423 patent provides details how a stepper, rower, skier, use a shaft-roller-belt shaft combinations allow for the use of one resistance mechanism to provide resistance for multiple exercise machine. The use of one resistance mechanism can be attached to a single shaft to allow the use of the add-on equipment with minimal effort or modifications.

However, the instant invention greatly improves the ability to do more, different exercises with one machine. Those exercises include a stair climbing movement, a stepping movement, elliptical training, cycling, rowing and skiing. This allows the user to have six exercise machines in one.

THE INVENTION

The instant invention is an exercise machine comprising in combination of a frame, a flywheel that is operatively connected to the frame for rotation about a flywheel axis relative to the frame. The exercise machine has at least one elongated member and at least one arm extension pole.

The first and second stepping members are operatively connected to the frame for movement relative to the frame, between raised and lowered positions, each stepping member has a stepping surface positioned and configured to be stepped upon by the user.

The stair-climbing drive mechanism is operatively connected to the flywheel in a manner that causes the flywheel to rotate about the flywheel axis upon movement of the stepping members from their raised positions to their lowered positions.

Elongated members are operatively connected to the frame for motion in a circular motion relative to the frame. And an elliptical drive mechanism operatively connects to each of the first cranks and second cranks operatively connected to the flywheel in a manner to cause the flywheel to rotate about the flywheel axis upon circular movement of the cranks relative to the frame.

There is also at least one crank pedal positioned above and attached to the elongated members facilitating a cyclic motion. This cyclic motion is a simulation of cycling.

The adjustable seat is mounted between the elongated members and is adjustable in both a vertical and a horizontal plane. The seat adjustment gives the exercise machine the ability to simulate standard and recumbent cycling motion.

There is also a set of arm extension poles operatively connect to a second elongated member that operatively connects to the elongated member. The arm poles are pivotally connected to a front riser. The front riser depends vertically from the flywheel housing. The flywheel housing contains the flywheel. When the arm poles, stepping pedal or foot pedals are engaged the flywheel begins to rotate about the flywheel axis. The flywheel speed and therefore resistance can be regulated by a flywheel regulator increasing or decreasing the amount of pressure necessary for the user to manipulate or rotate the flywheel. The step drive mechanism incorporates a cable pulley return mechanism. The flywheel resistance is magnetically controlled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is full side view of the exercise machine.

FIG. 2 is an expanded view of the adjustable seat.

FIG. 3 is a full side view of the exercise machine with the stepper add-on and cable pulley mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The instant invention is an exercise machine capable of operating in a multitude of modes, the first mode simulating an activity such as skiing involving reciprocating linear motion in generally horizontal plane; the second mode for simulating climbing steps in generally a vertical plane; the third mode simulates cycling in a vertical plane, fourth simulates cycling in a horizontal plane, fifth simulates stair climbing motion and the sixth is simulates a rowing motion.

FIG. 1 is a full side view of the exercise machine 2. The exercise machine 2 has a flywheel 4 that is the central motion mechanism for the instant device. From a standing position the operator can use step pedals 6 in an up and down motion rotating the flywheel 4 creating a motion that is a simulation of step climbing. The climbing motion can be enhanced by the further use of the arm extension poles 12. This will complement the lower body activity of the climbing action with upper body movement from the arm extension poles 12. From this position the exercise machine 2 and when combined with the arm extension poles 12 it is also used as a skiing device. The movement of the arm extension poles 12 simulates a skiing motion. The climbing motion occurs as the step pedals are slide along the bottom rails 48 it creates a forward and reverse and up and down motion that activates the flywheel 4 and the elongated members 10 raise and lower with each revolution of the flywheel 4. The bottom rails 48 along with the bases form parts of the frame 14. There is also present a flywheel housing 30 which incorporates into part of the frame 14. At the bottom of the frame 14 are base members 50. Base members 50 can be adjustable vertically. They can also be of a base configuration with deployable wheels for portability or without any deployable wheels. A standard exercise machine 2 would incorporate one type of base or a combination of two or more. Meaning that an exercise machine could have adjustable rear base members 50 and standard base members (non-wheeled) 50 in the middle region with the front base members 50 having deployable wheels.

From a sitting position the exercise machine 2 is capable of being used as both a standard elliptical exercise machine and a recumbent elliptical machine. The cycling aspect is facilitates through the use of the cycling pedals 6 that are affixed to the elongated members 10. When the user engages the cycling pedals 6 by placing a forward pressure on the cycling pedals 6 it in turn forces the elongated members 10 to move in a forward movement thus rotating the flywheel 4. The procedure simulates cycling. The ability to differentiate between the two types of cycling is from the adjustability of the seat 16.

The adjustability of the seat 16 is significant to the device and its unique ability to offer a multitude of exercise from a single machine. With the seat 16 set to a position where it is above the highest rotation point of the flywheel 4 the machine provides a standard elliptical exercise device. The flywheel housing 30 encloses the flywheel 4. Extending upward from the flywheel housing 30 is the front riser 20. At approximately the mid point of the front riser 20 are attachment points 56 for the attachment of the arm extension pole 12 to their pivot points 40. Near the top portion of the front riser 20 is an attached set of handles or bicycle handles 38 that support the user in the process of exercising. At the top of the front riser 20 is an exercise monitoring system 58.

Also visible form FIG. 1 are the elongated member 10 rollers 32. These rollers 32 provide the movement of the elongated members 10 along the bottom rails 48 and are house with roller housings 34. The rollers 32 are attached to the end of the elongated members 10 opposite the flywheel 4. These rollers 32 facilitate the forward and backward movement along the bottom rails 48. With one end of the elongated members 10 attached to the flywheel 4 the other end of the elongated member 10 is operatively attached to the roller 32 and slides along the bottom rail 48 facilitating movement.

Near the mid section of the elongated member 10 is the attachment point 46 of the second elongated member 44. The second elongated member 44 is attached to the bottom of the arm extension 12 and then to the first elongated member 10. This relationship gives the arm extension 12 a forward and reverse motion relative to the rotation of the flywheel 4.

FIG. 2 is an expanded view of the adjustable seat 16. With the seat 16 set below the highest rotation point of the flywheel 4 the exercise machine 2 provides the recumbent elliptical exercise. The adjustability of the seat 16 is derived from its ability to slide along inner and outer members and locking into position. Both the vertical 22 and horizontal 24 seat adjustments have an inner and outer member. The seat 16 is connected to the top of the outer vertical member 52. Attached to the bottom of the seat 16 are a set of seat handles 18. These seat handles 18 are provided to stabilize the individual as they perform exercises upon the exercise machine 2.

The seat 16 is comprised of an inner vertical seat adjustment 22 and an outer vertical seat adjustment 52. This is attached to the inner horizontal seat adjustment 26; which slides into the outer horizontal seat adjustment 54. The outer vertical seat adjustment 52 has locking mechanism affixed to its outer surface. The outer horizontal seat adjustment 52 also has a horizontal locking mechanism 28 attached to its outer surface. When the inner vertical seat adjustment 22 is inserted into the outer vertical seat adjustment 52 and locked into position by the vertical locking mechanism 24 the seat 16 position becomes stationary vertically.

When the inner horizontal seat adjustment 26 is inserted into the outer horizontal seat adjustment 54 and locked into position by the vertical locking mechanism 28 the seat 16 position becomes stationary horizontally.

The ability to adjust the seat 16 both vertically and horizontally brings greater flexibility to the exercise machine 2.

It should be noted that the stepping can be either performed from a seated position or from a standing position.

The flywheel 4 has a magnetic resistance that is controlled by a cable that rotates. The resistance is adjustable by rotating the control knob on the machine. The resistance can also be controlled electronically. The flywheel 4 is significant in that it is virtually silent. This gives the machine a much smoother rotation. The flywheel 4 is also capable of moving in either direction. The flywheel 4 is also manufactured in a variety of diameters that allow for different stride lengths.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an add-on device for stair climber 60. A drive chain 62 is connected to the flywheel 4 and passes over a sprocket 64 to a set of stepping devices 70. The add-on stair climbing equipment 60 attaches of the front of the machine 2. The chain 62 is connected to a sprocket attached to the base 66. This base is also connected to the stepper arms 72. The stepper arms 72 are connected to foot platforms 70. When the user steps up and down of the step platforms 70 it moves the sprocket 68 moving the chain 62 which in turn moves the flywheel 4. There is also a stepper handle 74 that is attached to the rear of the front riser 20. Other add-on includes a rower and a skier.

Other embodiments include variation such as foldable pedals, rotating seat handles and a rotating seat. Both the seat handles and the seat are capable of rotating 360°. The machine also is capable of having a variety of informational outputs; distance, time, heart rate, grade and resistance level. Also the drive mechanism for the add-on machines incorporates a cable recoil pulley 100.

The add-on drive mechanism is accomplished by a shaft-roller-belt-shaft system. A cable, belt or chain is attached to the pulley mechanism then proceeding to the flywheel 4 where the resistance is set. Then the cable, belt or chain proceeds to the next shaft located below the handle portion of the front end of the machine or the riser 20. From there the cable, belt or chain is attached to the add-on device and by providing movement on the add-on device the operation is complete. 

1. An exercise machine comprising in combination: a frame; a flywheel operatively connected to the frame for rotation about a flywheel axis relative to the frame; at least one elongated member; at least one arm pole; first and second stepping members operatively connected to the frame for movement relative to the frame, between raised and lowered positions, each stepping member having a stepping surface positioned and configured to be stepped upon by the user; a stair-climbing drive mechanism operatively connected to the flywheel in a manner to cause the flywheel to rotate about the flywheel axis upon movement of the stepping members from their raised positions to their lowered positions; elongated members each operatively connected to the frame for motion in a circular motion relative to the frame; And an elliptical drive mechanism operatively connected to each of the first cranks and operatively connected to the flywheel in a manner to cause the flywheel to rotate about the flywheel axis upon circular movement of the cranks relative to the frame; at least one crank pedal positioned above and attached to the said elongated members facilitating a cyclic motion, said cyclic motion being a simulation of an elliptical motion; an adjustable seat mounted between said elongated members and being adjustable in both a vertical and horizontal plane, said seat adjustment giving the exercise machine the ability to simulate standard and recumbent elliptical motion; a set of arm extension poles or arm extension poles operatively connect to a second elongated member that operatively connects to the elongated member; said arm extension poles being pivotally connected to a front riser; said front riser depending vertically from a flywheel housing; said flywheel housing containing said flywheel.
 2. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said machine is equipped with a system to increase or decrease resistance on said flywheel.
 3. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the first elongated members are operatively connected to the frame for motion in a circular manner about the flywheel axis, the first elongated members axis and flywheel axis being the same.
 4. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 1 further comprising; a linearly moveable member mounted on the frame for linear reciprocating movement along a longitudinal axis between forward and backward positions; and an arm extension pole operatively connected to the linear member and to the flywheel in a manner to cause the flywheel to rotate about the flywheel axis upon movement of the linearly moveable member between its forward and rearward directions; also mounted to the said linearly moveable member is a crank arm, said elongated member being operatively connected to a pedal, said pedal is engaged by the operator moving the crank pedal causing the moveable member to rotating about the flywheel axis.
 5. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the arm extension pole is operatively connected to cause the flywheel to rotate about the flywheel axis upon movement of the linearly moveable member from its forward position.
 6. An exercise machine comprising; a frame; a flywheel operatively connected to the frame for rotation relative to the frame about the flywheel axis; first and second stepping members operatively connected to the frame for movement relative to the frame between raised and lowered positions, each stepping member having a stepping surface positioned and configured to be stepped upon by the user; a stair-climbing drive mechanism operatively connected to the stepping members and operatively connected to the stepping members and operatively connected to the flywheel in a manner to cause the flywheel to rotate about the flywheel axis upon movement of the stepping members from their raised positions to their lowered positions, a linearly moveable member mounted on the frame for the linear reciprocating movement along a longitudinal axis between forward and rearward positions; and a sliding mechanism operatively connected to the linearly moveable member and operatively connected to the flywheel in a manner to cause the flywheel rotate about the flywheel axis upon movement of the linearly moveable member between its forward and rearward positions in a least one direction; a vertical pedal arm mechanism operatively connected to the linearly moveable member operatively connected to the flywheel in a manner to cause the flywheel rotate about the flywheel axis upon movement of the linearly moveable member between its forward and rearward positions in a least one direction;
 7. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said exercise machine has the ability to monitor exercise activity such as distance, speed, blood pressure, resistance applied to flywheel.
 8. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said vertical adjustment is slidably adjustable along a vertical plane and is lockable.
 9. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said horizontal adjustment is slidably adjustable along a horizontal plane and is lockable.
 10. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said seat is equipped with handles.
 11. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said frame has deployable wheeled base members.
 12. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said front riser having handles attached thereto.
 13. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said front riser having an exercise monitoring system.
 14. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said seat is adjustable both vertically and horizontally.
 15. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein, bases are vertically adjustable.
 16. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein, a rowing machine is interchangeable with said stair-climbing device and driven on said drive mechanism.
 17. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein, a skiing machine is interchangeable with said stair-climbing device and driven on said drive mechanism.
 18. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said drive mechanism incorporates cable recoil.
 19. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said add-on drive is a cable, belt or chain.
 20. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flywheel resistance is magnetic. 